Hermantown Police Chief Apologizes for Offensive Remarks Regarding Data Center Opponents
Hermantown Police Chief Jim Crace has issued a public apology for making offensive remarks about opponents of a proposed Google data center. In leaked recordings of conversations between city officials, Chief Crace was heard calling one opponent an 'idiot' and making an offensive pun with their name, and referring to another as a 'gong show.' These recordings, spanning nearly 10 months, have been circulating on local social media and were initially reported by the Duluth Monitor. During a city council meeting, Chief Crace stated, 'The comments I made were inappropriate, insulting, disrespectful and uncalled for.' Mayor Wayne Boucher also apologized, acknowledging that such conduct is unacceptable for public officials and committed to improving. Jackie Dolentz, representing 'Stop the Hermantown Data Center,' suggested the recordings indicate a pattern of 'abhorrent' behavior, emphasizing the need for public trust in decisions regarding the significant data center project. Google representative Tyler Huebner... 
